Preservatives for Cosmetic, Toiletry and Pharmaceutical Compositions

ABSTRACT

A composition for and methods of preserving a topical cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation against microbiological contamination or growth are described in which the compositions used herein include at least one hydroxamic acid, salt or complex thereof, and the methods include addition of an effective amount of such compounds to a cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation. Compositions further including alkanediols and/or solubilizing agents in blends with hydroxamic acid are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending application Ser. No.13/182,292, filed Jul. 13, 2011, which is itself a divisional of pendingapplication Ser. No. 12/324,504, filed Nov. 26, 2008, which in turnclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/004,760, filed Nov. 29, 2007, the entire contents of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Topical cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical products such as creams,lotions, pastes, liquids, aerosols, shampoos, gels, wipes, bats, sticks,powders and granules, are known in the art to be susceptible tomicrobial infestation. The raw materials, packaging, and manufacturingenvironment for these products are often not sufficiently sterile, suchthat small amounts of microbiological contaminants can enter into finalproducts. Shipment and storage of packaged cosmetic, toiletry andpharmaceutical products in some cases are performed under uncontrolledconditions. Often, a cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical product may beexposed to higher temperatures than recommended which can alsoaccelerate the growth rate of microbes unless a suitably effectiveantimicrobial component and/or components are incorporated into theformulation. Once product packages are opened, they are subject tofurther contamination from repeated consumer use. A consumer may noticemicrobial infestation by the discoloration and/or unpleasant odor of aproduct, or they might see macroscopic quantities of microorganisms suchas mold on the product. Microbial growth can also cause the degradationof chemical and/or active compounds in the cosmetic, toiletry orpharmaceutical formulation, which can lead to instability of the productand/or emulsion. A product that has been contaminated by microbiologicalorganisms can also lead to user infections once it is applied to theskin, scalp and/or mucous membranes of a human. It is thereforeimportant for manufacturers and marketers of such products to be able tooffer products that resist microbial growth and provide a stable andsafe product with a long shelf life.

Typically, topical cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical manufacturersadd small amounts of one or more preservative compounds to theirformulations to prevent microbial growth. The preferred preservativesmay be water-soluble, since typically it is the water phase of a productthat is most susceptible to microbial growth. The preferredpreservatives are effective at use levels that lead tocost-effectiveness, and do not cause excessive irritation, adisadvantage that is associated with many preservative compounds. Thepreferred preservatives are those that do not adversely affect theaesthetic properties of the formulation such as the odor and the color.Furthermore, it is also desirable that the preservative does not affectthe performance attributes and/or activity of the product. Finally, suchpreservatives must follow the guidelines established by individualnational laws and regulations. In most countries, these regulationslimit the type of and use-level of preservatives that may be included ina product. In some countries, certain preservatives are permitted onlyfor rinse-off products (such as shower gels) but not for leave-onproducts (such as skin creams.) Therefore, preferred preservatives wouldbe those that are not wholly prohibited in any country, and which arenot restricted to only certain product types.

Preservatives used in topical cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceuticalproducts must also meet consumer preferences. In recent years, cosmeticpreservatives have been a frequent target of academics and activistgroups who question their toxicological safety. The resulting mediareports have suggested that certain preservatives can be dangerous. As aresult, manufacturers prefer to use preservatives not tainted bynegative publicity and that will not adversely affect productmarketability.

Preservatives used in cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical productsmust enable the products to successfully pass microbiological testingprotocols, known as “challenge tests”, established by governmentregulations and trade organizations. Challenge tests are performed byadding known quantities of microorganisms to a product and measuring theincrease or decrease in microorganism population over time. Theorganisms include Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeastand mold. The Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) hasdefined a challenge test that is widely accepted as the standard in thecosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical industry. The test requires thatthe quantity of bacteria be reduced by 99% in seven days, and that thequantity of yeast and fungi (mold) be reduced by 90% in seven days. Inorder to pass a challenge test, the product must contain the appropriateamounts and types of preservative compounds that will enableantimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms in ashort period of time.

In recent years cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical manufacturers havebeen severely limited in their choice of preservative agents. One classof biocides that has been highly effective in cosmetic, toiletry andpharmaceutical products includes formaldehyde donors, such asimidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and DMDM hydantoin. However,many such compounds are considered to be skin irritants and the use offormaldehyde donors is severely restricted by regulations in the EU andJapan.

Another class of preservatives includes the isothiazolinones, such asKATHON® CG, available commercially from Rohm & Haas, Philadelphia, Pa,which contains a chloro-substituted isothiazolinone(methylchloroisothiazolinone). This chloro-substituted isothiazolinonehas demonstrated irritation potential and it is prohibited from use inleave-on products in some countries.

Another class of preservatives is chlorinated aromatic compounds, suchas chlorphenesin. They are not broadly used in cosmetic, toiletries orpharmaceuticals because they exhibit a very strong and unpleasant odor.Also chlorinated compounds in general are used in herbicides andpesticides, and many are known human toxins, and thus chlorinatedcompounds may have a negative consumer perception.

Yet another class of preservatives is para-hydroxybenzoic acids, knownas parabens. Preservative blends containing parabens, such as GERMABEN®and LIQUAPAR®, available commercially from International SpecialtyProducts, and PHENONIP®, available commercially from Clariant, are themost widely used preservative systems and have been used safely andeffectively for over 20 years. However, research reports such as therecent Journal of Applied Toxicology [May 24, 2004] have suggested thatparabens are possible human carcinogens. The media has suggested thatproducts containing parabens are dangerous. Consumer groups, such asBreast Cancer Action, have lobbied cosmetic and toiletry companies toremove parabens from their products. As a result parabens are now defacto banned from many segments of the cosmetic and toiletry industry.

In U.S. Published Patent Application US-2005-0228032-A1, InternationalSpecialty Products describes a paraben-free, broad-spectrum preservativeblend that includes glycols, phenoxyethanol and organic acids. In U.S.Pat. No. 6,447,793 B2,

Engelhard Corporation describes paraben-free, broad-spectrumpreservation systems that include phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, andorganic acids. Such blends fail to meet all of the industry-desiredneeds, because organic acids are only effective as biocides in productsthat have an acidic pH. Cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical productshaving an acidic pH can be limited to certain leave-on formulations,such as creams and lotions. Organic acids are completely ineffectivebiocides at neutral pH, and thus these preservative blends are notsuitable for pH-neutral cosmetic, toiletry and toiletry products, suchas body washes and shampoos.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0207105-A1 describes an anti-microbialcomposition including a vicinal diol, which is a liquid at roomtemperature and an isothiazolinone compound to the composition. Thevicinal diol may be a compound such as a 1,2-alkane diol or a glycerylmonoether. The isothiazolinone may be methylisothiazolinone, such as2-Methyl-3(2H)isothiazolinone.

As referred to herein, compounds known as hydroxamic acids are part of afamily of organic acids of general formula R—C(═O)—N(R′)—OH. Thealkenylhydroxamic acid, sorbic hydroxamic acid, is known in the art tohave antifungal properties. See, e.g., W. F. Dudman, Appl. Microbiol.,11(4), pp. 362-364 (July, 1963). It has been proposed for use as a foodpreservative. However, sorbic hydroxamic acid is not used commerciallyfor such an application because it has proven to be mutagenic.Alkylhydroxamic acids have excellent metal binding properties and theircommercial use is almost entirely in the mineral processing industry forenhancing the recovery of valuable ores. See, e.g., Pradip andFuerstenau, “Mineral Flotation with Hydroxamate Collectors”, in“Reagents in the Minerals Industry”, Ed. M. J. Jones and R. Oblatt,Inst. Min. Met., London, pp. 161-168 (1984). The commercial productsAM2® from Ausmelt Limited of Melbourne, Australia, and AERO® S6493 fromCytec Industries, Inc., West Patterson, N.J., are mineral processingformulations containing alkylhydroxamic acids.

Alkylhydroxamic acids are also known to inhibit the catalytic activityof the enzyme urease, and therefore may be useful for reducing the odorthat results from the decomposition of urine into ammonia. EsaiCorporation Limited of Japan describes the use of alkylhydroxamic acidsas part of deodorizing compositions as described in U.S. Pat. No.3,978,208. Esai Corporation has also demonstrated that alkylhydroxamicacids may be useful for treating urinary kidney stones in humans asnoted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,765. More recently, Lion Corporation ofJapan demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,342 that saturatedalkylhydroxamic acids, such as caprylohydroxamic acid, haveanti-bacterial effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans in the humanoral cavity.

However, such compounds have not been adopted for topical cosmetic,toiletry and pharmaceutical formulations.

There is a need in the art for additional preservatives for topicalcosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical purposes that are free ofparabens, formaldehyde donors and chlorinated compounds, that areglobally approved for use in leave-on and rinse-off products, and thathave efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms at variouslevels of pH, especially neutral pH.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes use of an effective amount at least onealkylhydroxamic acid, alone or in combination with at least one alcoholin topical cosmetic, toiletry and/or pharmaceutical preparations thatare substantially free of parabens.

The invention includes a method of preserving a topical cosmetic,toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation against microbiologicalcontamination or growth, comprising adding an effective amount of atleast one hydroxamic acid, a salt and/or a complex thereof.

A composition is also within the scope of the invention herein which isuseful for the preservation of topical cosmetic, toiletry andpharmaceutical formulations, wherein the composition is substantiallyfree of parabens, comprising at least one hydroxamic acid, a salt and/ora complex thereof, and at least one alcohol.

Further included herein is a personal care product comprising acomposition useful for the preservation thereof, wherein the compositionis substantially free of parabens and comprises at least one hydroxamicacid, a salt and/or a complex thereof, and at least one alcohol.

Also within the scope hereof is a pharmaceutical product comprising acomposition useful for the preservation thereof, wherein the compositionis substantially free of parabens and comprises at least one hydroxamicacid, a salt and/or a complex thereof, and at least one alcohol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An alkylhydroxamic or hydroxamic acid as referred to herein may bepresent in its free (un-neutralized) or salt (neutralized) form, and itshall be understood that the terms “hydroxamic acid” and“alkylhydroxamic acid” include within the scope thereof the free acidform of the compounds as well as their salts and/or complexes thereof aswell as materials which are precursors to such compounds, salts andcomplexes which upon addition react to form such compounds, salts andcomplexes, unless otherwise specifically noted.

The invention includes a method of preserving a substantially parabenfree, topical, cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation againstmicrobiological contamination or growth. As used herein, “topical” meansapplication of the cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical composition tothe hair or skin and outer surfaces of the body, and does not includeoral or other internal mucous membrane uses. The method includes addingan effective amount of at least one hydroxamic acid, salt, complex orprecursor(s) thereof alone or in combination with an effective amount ofat least one alcohol to such a formulation. Also within the invention isa preservative composition, substantially free of parabens, thatincludes a blend of at least one hydroxamic acid, salt, complex orprecursor(s) thereof with at least one alcohol, as well as a personalcare product or a pharmaceutical product including such preservativecompositions.

In the method herein the at least one hydroxamic acid includes analkylhydroxamic acid, such as those described further herein below. Analkylhydroxamic acid may have linear or branched carbon chain of fromabout two to about twenty-two carbon atoms, and preferably from aboutsix to about twelve carbon atoms. The carbon chains may include doublebonds, i.e., areas of unsaturation and may also have functionalitydepending on desired end use and properties. For example hydroxy groupsmay be beneficial side-or terminal-substituents on the chain leading tobetter water compatibility.

Other similar functional groups that meet the criteria of beingcompatible with and/or suggested for use in cosmetic, toiletry and/orpharmaceutical formulations are also within the scope of the invention.Such hydroxamic acids may also be synthesized from natural oils usinglipase catalysis as well as other hydroxamic synthesis techniques knownor to be developed in the art. Examples of such alkylhydroxamic acidsinclude, but are not limited to hexanohydroxamic acid, caprylohydroxamicacid, caprohydroxamic acid, laurohydroxamic acid and mixtures andcombinations thereof, and most preferably is caprylohydroxamic acid. Itshould be noted herein that precursors, such as hydroxy acids incombination with, for example, hydroxylamine hydrochloride or a similarcompounds which can react within solution and/or in the formulation toform the various hydroxamic and alkylhydroxamic acids, salts and/orcomplexes thereof as are known in the art may also be used instead of adirect additive within the scope of the invention.

It is preferred that in the method, the composition further includes atleast one alcohol, preferably a diol, and most preferably one or morevicinal diols. “Vicinal diols,” as used herein, are materials that havehydroxyl groups which are bonded to atoms in the molecule which are nextto each other, i.e., wherein two atoms each bearing a hydroxyl group arebonded to each other. Examples of vicinal diol compounds suitable foruse in the invention, include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycoland propylene glycol. Such materials are known for use as humectants andsolvents in cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical products. They arealso known to have some modest antimicrobial activity as described inU.S. Publication No. 2007-0207105-A1, the disclosure of which inrelevant part related to vicinal diols, and compositions incorporatingthese compounds are incorporated herein by reference.

The most preferred vicinal diols for use in the compositions describedherein when used in cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical applicationsare medium-chain length, linear vicinal diols that demonstrateantimicrobial activity at relatively low use-levels. Such diols include1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, and 1,2-decanediol.Other vicinal diols useful in the compositions described herein includemolecules derived from glycerin. Glycerin can be reacted with othermolecules at its 1- or 3-position, leaving two vicinal hydroxyl groups.For example, glyceryl monoethers, such as ethylhexylglycerin[3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)propane-1,2-diol], available commercially asSENSIVA® SC50 from Schulke & Mayr, are useful liquid vicinal diolshaving antimicrobial properties. Glyceryl monoesters such as glycerylmonolaurate, glyceryl mono caproate, or glyceryl monocapyrlate, thelatter of which is commercially available as LEXGARD® GMCY from InolexChemical Company, Philadelphia, Pa., are also useful antimicrobialvicinal diols. For the preservation of cosmetics, toiletries andpharmaceuticals, vicinal diols are known to be effective againstbacteria and yeast but weak against fungi. In the book, D. Steinberg,Preservatives for Cosmetics. 2nd ed, (2006), pg. 102, the authorcomments regarding vicinal diols that “[t]he weakest activity on all ofthese is fungi.” In the article, D. Smith et al., “The Self-PreservingChallenge,” Cosmetic & Toiletries, No. 1, 115, No. 5 (May 2000), vicinaldiols are described as having activity against bacteria, but to be“limited against Aspergillus.” Since Aspergillus niger is one of themicroorganisms used in the CTFA challenge test, products with vicinaldiols as described herein as the only preservative may not sufficientlypass the CTFA challenge test.

The compositions described herein are useful for the preservation oftopical cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical formulations. In suchformulations to achieve the benefits of the invention it is preferredthat the compositions be substantially free of parabens, and preferablycompletely free of parabens. The compositions may be the same as thosedescribed above with respect to the method hereof.

The compositions preferably include at least one vicinal diol in amountsof, for example, about 0.001% by weight to about 99.999% by weight ofthe blend of the hydroxamic acid, salt or complex thereof with the atleast one alcohol. The hydroxamic acid, salt or complex thereofpreferably is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 99.999% byweight of the noted blend. If precursors for hydroxamic acids, salts orcomplexes are used as components according to one aspect of theinvention, the weight percentages described herein and further below,refer to the amount of formed compound desired in the blends in thecompositions, wherein the compounds are formed from the precursorreaction or combination.

The compositions may further include a solubilizing agent in amounts ofabout 1% to about 70% by weight of the hydroxamic acid/ alcohol blends.Examples of solubilizing agents include diols.

The invention also includes personal care products and pharmaceuticalproducts that include compositions useful for the preservation thereof,wherein the compositions are also preferably substantially free ofparabens and are as described herein according to the invention.

In personal care products, the compositions are preferably present inamounts of about 0.01 to about 10.00% by weight of the personal careproduct. In pharmaceutical products, the compositions are preferablypresent in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 10.00% by weight of thepharmaceutical product.

Despite these previous uses of hydroxamic acid in other industries, theinvention describes a method including adding an effective amount of atleast one alkylhydroxamic acid to topical cosmetic, toiletry andpharmaceutical formulations that result in a non-toxic, broad pH, andeffective preservative method against a range of gram-positive bacteria,gram-negative bacteria, yeast and fungi. Formulations provided by theuse of this method can pass regulatory acceptance criteria such as theCTFA challenge.

Suitable hydroxamic acids include alkylhydroxamic acids that include atleast one alkyl group of a chain length of about two to about twenty-twocarbon atoms, which may be branched or linear in structure, substitutedor unsubstituted, and saturated or unsaturated as noted hereinabove.Preferred alkylhydroxamic acids contain alkyl groups of a chain lengthof about six to about twelve carbon atoms and most preferably linearchains of that length. Most preferred alkylhydroxamic acids arecaprylohydroxamic acid, having a linear terminal chain of eight carbonatoms and caprohydroxamic acid, having a linear chain of ten carbonatoms. Such alkylhydroxamic acids may be used alone or in combinationfor varying effects and properties, and/or may be the result of use ofprecursors used as starting components as described above.

The preferred compounds have a formula as shown in Formula (I):

wherein R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, carbonchain of about two to about twenty-two carbon atoms, which chain may beinterrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, and may include saturated orunsaturated carbon bonds. Accordingly, R groups may include, forexample, alkyl, alkyenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy andsimilar groups, are branched or linear, and which groups may be furtherfunctionalized using substituted groups, including hydroxy or otheracceptable cosmetic, toiletry and/or pharmaceutical end groups for useand compatible with such end applications. R¹ may be hydrogen or R.

Further effective preservation can be provided to the use of thehydroxamic acid if an effective amount of at least one alcohol is usedin a blend with the at least one hydroxamic acid. The most preferredalcohols are vicinal diols.

In one preferred embodiment, caprylyl glycol is blended withcaprylohydroxamic acid. In another preferred embodiment, caprylyl glycolis blended with caprylohydroxamic acid and further blended with one ormore glycols or vicinal diols that are liquid at room temperature, suchthat the entire blend is liquid and therefore easy to blend into acosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical emulsion. Such liquid glycols andvicinal diols include ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol,1,2-pentanediol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and hexylene glycol.

It is preferred herein, that in preferred cosmetic, toiletry orpharmaceutical compositions, that the at least one hydroxamic acid ispresent in an amount of about 0.01 to about 10 percent by weight, andmore preferably from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a blend ofthe at least one alkylhydroxamic acid with the at least one vicinal dioland any optional solubilizing agent and/or water as noted herein. Whileonly one alkylhydroxamic acid is necessary, such materials as describedabove may be used alone or in combinations with each other and with oneor more vicinal diols. The amount of the alkylhydroxamic acid and thevicinal diol components in the blend should be selected so as topreferably provide a ratio of alkylhydroxamic acid(s) to vicinal diol(s)in the blend which is to be provided to the composition of about99.999:0.001 to about 0.001:99.999 and more preferably about 10.00:0.01to about 0.01:10.00, and most preferably about 10.0:0.1 to about0.1:10.0.

In one preferred embodiment, an additional solvent is also incorporatedinto a blend of one vicinal diol and one alkylhydroxamic acid to make ablend of at least three components that is then incorporated into acosmetic, toiletry or toiletry formulation. In such an embodiment, anadditional glycol or vicinal diol that is liquid at room temperature isincluded in the blend in an amount of about 1 percent by weight to about70 percent by weight of the blend, based on the total weight of theblend.

Formulations prepared for topical cosmetic and toiletry compositionsherein referred to as personal care compositions, and topicalpharmaceutical compositions, may include any other colorants,fragrances, active ingredients or other additives typically used and/orto be developed in the art for use in personal care and pharmaceuticalformulations, in which additives will vary depending upon theformulation in which the preferred compositions are used, i.e., whetherthe formulations are used in skin treatments such as moisturizingcompositions, skin toners, skin cleansers, night creams, skin creams,shaving creams, skin care lotions, or other cosmetic preparations;make-up, such as foundation, liquid and powder-based make-up, mascara,lipstick, blush, gloss, eye-liner and the like; or other personal careand/or pharmaceutical compositions, such as, sunscreens, lip balms,fragrances, massage oil, shampoos, conditioners, conditioning shampoos,hair styling gels, hair reparatives, hair tonics, hair fixatives, hairmousses, bath and shower gels, liquid soaps, moisturizing sprays,makeup, pressed powder formulations, bath additives, ophthalmicpreparations, foaming soaps and body washes, sanitizing wipes, handsanitizers, towelettes and wipes and others. It should be understood,based on this disclosure that a wide variety of personal care andpharmaceutical formulations could benefit from the properties of themethods and compositions of the present invention, wherein, as usedherein, pharmaceutical product is a product including at least oneactive pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

The personal care and pharmaceutical formulations, if liquid based (suchas gels, hydrogels, lotions, shampoos and the like) will also preferablyinclude water as part of the liquid base. The formulations andcompositions may include other additives as well, such as withoutlimitation, at least one humectant, at least one emulsifier and/orthickener, chelating agent(s), gelling agent(s), amino acid(s),emollient(s), various solvents, free radicals and initiators, sunscreenUVA and/or UVB blocking agents, antioxidants, other preservatives,waxes, polymers and copolymers, inorganic and organic pigments and/orone more fragrances, coloring agent(s), herbs, natural extracts,essential oils, pharmaceutical drug products, and other additivescommonly used in such formulations.

The personal care and pharmaceutical compositions herein may belotion-based, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions,water-in-silicone emulsions, silicon-in-water emulsions, gels, solids,liquids, cream based, oil based, aqueous/alcoholic or glycolic solutionbased, dispersions, suspensions or syrups, microemulsions or aliposome-based formulations.

In water-based formulations, other than solids and thicker gels, etc.,it is preferred that about 20% by weight to about 95% by weight (on awet basis) of water is incorporated therein. The various additives asidefrom the water and preferred combination of preservatives noted hereinincluding hydroxamic acids and alcohols, would make up the remainingportion of various personal care and pharmaceutical formulations basedon the compositions described herein. Preferably, each additive ispresent in an amount of up to about 75 percent by weight of the entireformulation, and more preferably up to about 40 percent by weight, witha collective amount of such additives of preferably no greater thanabout 50 percent by weight.

EXAMPLE 1

A skin care emulsion formulation was developed and then challengetested. Table 1 describes two skin care formulations that are identicalwith the exception of their preservative system: Comparative Product Acontains no preservative, while Product B contains 1.05% of apreservative blend according to the invention. The preservative blend inProduct B is a combination of 95.2% caprylyl glycol and 4.8%caprylohydroxamic acid. The formulations are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Comparative Formulation A Formulation B (% w/w) (% w/w)Deionized Water Q.S. Q.S. Xanthan Gum 0.40 0.40 Glycerin (96% solution)1.50 1.50 Butylene Glycol 1.00 1.00 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.10 0.10 Blend(95.2% caprylyl — 1.05 glycol and 4.8% caprylohydroxamic acid)Octinoxate 7.50 7.50 Oxybenzone 5.25 5.25 Octisalate 5.00 5.00Avobenzone 2.00 2.00 Homosalate 13.00 13.00 Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-2.50 2.50 100 Stearate Neopentyl Glycol 2.25 2.25 Diheptanoate AdipicAcid/Diethylene 3.00 3.00 Glycol/Glycerin CrosspolymerHydroxyethylacrylate/Sodium 3.50 3.50 Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymerand Squalane and Polysorbate 60 Silica 2.00 2.00 Total 100.00 100.00

A challenge test complying with USP and CTFA methodologies wasperformed. The results are in Table 2. The table indicates the log valueof the number of viable organisms measured after the expired timeinterval. The term TNTC is the acronym for “Too Numerous To Count” andindicates that the number of viable organisms has increased as comparedto the initial inoculum. Comparative Product A, containing nopreservative, fails to meet the CTFA acceptance criteria of a 99%reduction in bacteria and 90% reduction in yeast and fungi within sevendays. Product B, containing a preservative blend of a vicinal diol andan alkylhydroxamic acid according to the invention, meets and farexceeds the CTFA acceptance criteria.

TABLE 2 S. aureus E. coli P. aeruginosa C. albicans A. niger A B A B A BA B A B Inoculum 5.71 5.90 5.95 6.09 5.77 6.16 5.77 5.38 5.3 5.30 Day 7TNTC <1.0 TNTC <1.0 TNTC <1.0 TNTC <1.0 TNTC <1.0 Day 14 4.41 <1.0 5.17<1.0 2.53 <1.0 5.03 <1.0 4.9 <1.0 Day 21 Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0 Day 28 Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0 Fail <1.0 Fail<1.0

As the results show, the compositions according to the invention hereofmay be used to prepare effective preservative for personal care andpharmaceutical compositions, and contribute to preservation of topicalcosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceutical compositions.

EXAMPLE 2

A body wash formulation was prepared in accordance with the invention.The ingredients shown in Table 3, below, were combined to form a bodywash base.

TABLE 3 Ingredient Amount (wt %) Deionized water Q.S. Na₄ EDTA 0.1PEG150 distearate 0.75 Sodium lauryl ether sulfate 8 (30% soln.) LexaineC 19.3 Lexquat C 2 PEG 80 Sorbitan laurate 15 NaCl₂ 0.8

Three formulations (A, B, and C) were prepared using the base body wash.To formulation A was added 0.70 wt. % of a CHA blend, to formulation Bwas added 0.80 of a CHA blend, to formulation C was added 1.0% of a CHAblend. The CHA blend used in each case was composed of caprylohydroxamicacid, capylyl glycol, and glycerin in a weight ratio of 15:71:14,respectively.

LEXAINE C is a proprietary formulation of cocamidylpropyl betaine.LEXQUAT C is a proprietary formulation of cocamidylpropyl PG-dimoniumchloride. Both are available from Inolex Chemical Company, Philadelphia,Pa.

A preservative efficacy test (“PET”) was preformed using eachformulation A, B, and C. The results are shown below in Tables 4, 5, and6.

TABLE 4 (Formulation A) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphyl- Pseudo- occous Esherichiamonas Candida Aspergillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans niger Inoculum5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 level Day 1 4.11 3.53 2.52 2.20 4.71 Day 2 3.183.21 <1.00 <1.00 4.02 Day 7 <1.00 1.78 <1.00 <1.00 3.78 Day 14 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.47 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.39 Day 28 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.40

TABLE 5 (Formulation B) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphyl- Pseudo- Asper- ococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoculum 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 level Day 1 4.56 4.45 2.66 2.16 4.26Day 2 4.01 3.50 <1.00 <1.00 4.96 Day 7 1.48 2.16 <1.00 <1.00 2.98 Day 14<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.48 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.24 Day 28<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.28

TABLE 6 (Formulation C) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphyl- Pseudo- Asper- ococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoculum 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 level Day 1 4.62 4.41 2.51 1.18 4.35Day 2 3.43 3.72 <1.00 <1.00 4.90 Day 7 1.48 1.79 <1.00 <1.00 3.88 Day 14<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.59 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.24 Day 28<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.31

EXAMPLE 3

A lotion formulation was prepared in accordance with the invention. Abase lotion formulation was prepared by incorporating the ingredientsand amounts as shown below.

Ingredient Amount (wt %) Deionized water Q.S. Keltrol CG 0.3 Glycerine 5Sodium borate 0.2 Lexol GT-865 15 Stearic acid 4.5 Beeswax 4 Tocopherylacetate 0.1 Orange wax 0.5 Tegosoft PSE 141G 2.5

KELTROL CG is a proprietary formulation of xanthan gum, available fromCP Kelco, Atlanta, Ga. LEXOL GT 865 is a proprietary formulation ofpropylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, available from Inolex ChemicalCompany, Philadelphia, Pa. TEGOSOFT PSE is a proprietary formulation ofsucrose monostearate mixed with tallow alcohol/coconut alcohol availablefrom Evonik Goldschmidt of Parsippany, N.J.

Using this base, three formulations were prepared (D, E and F). Toformulation D was added contained a CHA blend in the amount of 0.7% byweight; E contained a CHA blend in an amount of 0.8% by weight, and Fcontains a blend on an amount of 1.0% by weight. In each instance theCHA blend consisted of caprylohydroxamic acid, capylyl glycol, andglycerin in a weight ratio of 15:71:14, respectively.

PET evaluations were carried out on each formulation, and the resultsare shown below in Tables 7-9.

TABLE 7 (Formulation D) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 4.78 2.33 <1.00 4.374.40 Day 2 4.08 <1.00 <1.00 4.12 4.78 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.61Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.65 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.35Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.04

TABLE 8 (Formulation E) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 2.32 <1.00 <1.00 3.454.65 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.73 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.003.20 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00

TABLE 9 (Formulation F) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.494.45 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.41 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.002.60 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00

EXAMPLE 4

A sunscreen lotion base formulation having SPF 28 was prepared byincorporating the ingredients shown below in Table 10:

TABLE 10 Ingredient Amount (wt. %) Deionized water Q.S. Keltrol CG 0.4glycerin (96% solution) 1.5 Na₄ EDTA 0.1 butylene glycol 1 Simugel 3.5Octinoxate 7.5 Homosalate 13 Octisalate 5 Oxybenzone 5.25 Auobenzone 2LEXOREZ 100 3 LEXFEEL 7 2.25 LEXEMUL 561 2.5

SIMUGEL is a proprietary formulation of ammoniumpolyacrylate/isohexadane/PEG-40 available from SEPPIC, Countryside, Ill.LEXOREZ 1 is a proprietary formulation of adipic acid/diethyleneglycol/glycerin, LEXFEEL 7 is a proprietary formulation of neopentylglycol diheptanoate, and LEXEMUL 561 is a proprietary formulation ofglyceryl stearate PEG-100 stearate; all are available from InolexChemical Company, Philadelphia, Pa.

Three formulations (G, H, I) were prepared. To formulation G was added aCHA blend in an amount of 0.7 wt %. To formulation H, was added a CHAblend in an amount of 0.8 wt %. To formulation I was added a CHA blendin an amount of 1.0% by weight. The CHA blend used in each case wascomposed of caprylohydroxamic acid, capyrlyl glycol, and glycerin in aweight ratio of 15:71:14, respectively.

A PET evaluation was carried out on each formulation and thedata/results are shown below in Tables 11, 12, and 13.

TABLE 11 (Formulation G) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 4.52 <1.00 <1.00 4.274.64 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.60 4.24 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.001.90 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00

TABLE 12 (Formulation H) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 2.57 <1.00 <1.00 3.194.91 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.00 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00

TABLE 13 (Formulation I) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.94 6.13 5.75 5.56 5.24 ulum level Day 1 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.004.49 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.08 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00

EXAMPLE 5

A base SPF 28 sunscreen lotion was prepared using by the components andamounts shown in Table 10, below. Using this base, six formulations (J1,J2, J3, K1, K2, and L) were prepared. Each formulation was prepared byusing the CHA blend in the amount noted below in Table 14:

TABLE 14 Blend Blend Blend Caprylo- Caprylohydroxamic Caprylohydroxamichydroxamic acid/ acid/glyceryl acid/ phenoxyethanol// caprylate/ethylhexylglycerin/ methylpropanediol/ Formu- methylpropanediolmethylpropanediol water (15:70:7.5:7.5 lation (10:75:15 wt ratio)(15:30:55 wt ratio) wt ratio) J1 1.0 wt % 0 0 J2 1.2 wt % 0 0 J3 1.5 wt% 0 0 K1 0 1.0 wt % 0 K2 0 1.2 wt % 0 L 0 0 1.0 wt %

A PET evaluation was carried out and the results are shown in Tables15-20.

TABLE 15 (Formulation J1) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/_(g) Staphy- Pseudo- Asper-lococcus Escherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosaalbicans niger Inoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 3.74 4.74 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.40 4.61 Day 7 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.74 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.18 2.44 Day 21 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.31 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.00Valida- + + + + + tion

TABLE 16 (Formulation J2) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.224.88 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.60 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.003.55 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 2.04 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Valida- + + + + + tion

TABLE 17 (Formulation J3) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 3.134.54 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.29 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.002.52 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Valida- + + + + + tion

TABLE 18 (Formulation K1) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 2.18 <1.00 <1.00 3.134.81 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.60 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.003.11 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.70 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Valida- + + + + + tion

TABLE 19 (Formulation K2) Log⁻¹⁰ CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 2.63 <1.00 <1.00 3.294.53 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 4.23 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.002.11 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.90 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Valida- + + + + + tion

TABLE 20 (Formulation L) Log−10 CFU/g Staphy- Pseudo- Asper- lococcusEscherichia monas Candida gillus aureus coli aeruginosa albicans nigerInoc- 5.86 6.16 6.03 5.31 5.17 ulum level Day 1 3.37 <1.00 <1.00 3.434.45 Day 2 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 1.65 4.18 Day 7 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 Day 14 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Day 21 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00<1.00 <1.00 Day 28 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 Valida- + + + + + tion

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of preserving a topical cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceuticalformulation against microbiological contamination or growth, comprisingadding an effective amount of at least one hydroxamic acid, or a saltand/or a complex thereof.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one hydroxamic acid comprises an alkylhydroxamic acid. 3.The method according to claim 2, wherein the alkylhydroxamic acidcomprises a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted orunsubstituted, carbon chain of two to about twenty-two carbon atoms 4.The method according to claim 3, wherein the alkylhydroxamic acidcomprises a linear carbon chain of about six to about twelve carbonatoms.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein adding the at leastone hydroxamic acid, or the salt and/or the complex thereof comprisesadding precursors capable of reacting to form the at least onehydroxamic acid, salt and/or complex thereof as a reactant product. 6.The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least onealkylhydroxamic acid is selected from the group consisting ofhexanohydroxamic acid, caprylohydroxamic acid, caprohydroxamic acid,laurohydroxamic acid and mixtures and combinations thereof
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the alkylhydroxamic acid iscaprylohydroxamic acid.
 8. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one alcohol.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein the at least one alcohol is a diol.
 10. The method according toclaim 9, wherein the at least one diol is a vicinal diol.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the at least one vicinal diol is a1,2-alkanediol.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the atleast one 1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol and mixtures andcombinations thereof.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein theat least one vicinal diol is a glyceryl monoester and/or a glycerylmonoether.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at leastone glyceryl monoester is selected from the group consisting of glycerylmonocaprate, glyceryl mono caproate, and glyceryl monocaprylate.
 15. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the at least one glycerylmonoether is ethylhexyl glycerine.
 16. A composition useful for thepreservation of topical cosmetic, toiletry and pharmaceuticalformulations, wherein the composition is substantially free of parabens,comprising at least one hydroxamic acid, or a salt and/or a complexthereof, and at least one alcohol.
 17. The composition according toclaim 16, wherein the hydroxamic acid is an alkylhydroxamic acidcomprising a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substitutedor unsubstituted, carbon chain of two to about twenty-two carbon atoms.18. The composition according to claim 17, wherein the alkylhydroxamicacid comprises a linear carbon chain of about six to about twelve carbonatoms.
 19. The composition according to claim 16, wherein the hydroxamicacid is an alkylhydroxamic acid selected from the group consisting ofhexanohydroxamic acid, caprylohydroxamic acid, caprohydroxamic acid,laurohydroxamic acid and mixtures and combinations thereof.
 20. Thecomposition according to claim 19, wherein the at least onealkylhydroxamic acid is caprylohydroxamic acid. 21.-30. (canceled)